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April and May

April and May

Upcoming events and news in the world of innovation

Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium

The 2014 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium (WES) has been rescheduled to May 30-31 at the University of Denver in Denver, Colo. This is a unique opportunity for current or aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors to learn how intellectual property works, develop effective business strategies, leverage local and federal resources, and much more. Past WES speakers include successful female entrepreneurs, inventors, and policy makers. A networking reception and catered luncheon are included in the $50 registration fee. Visit the WES page for more information and to reserve your place today.

World IP Day is April 26

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and its members-186 countries including the United States-designates April 26 of each year as World IP Day. This year's theme is "Movies-A Global Passion" and pays tribute to the silver screen and the profound impact it has had on modern society. Intellectual property is integral to the motion picture industry-from copyrights of scripts to patented camera technology. Visit the WIPO website for World IP Day and find out how to celebrate and commemorate this important day and the ways IP improves our lives.

Patent Litigation and Patent Demand Letters

You've likely seen a lot of recent news about "non-practicing entities," "patent assertion entities," and "patent trolls." Much of that news has centered on patent infringement demand letters and patent litigation. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has created a series of Web pages to provide useful information to innovators, entrepreneurs, consumers, and others regarding patent demand letters and patent lawsuits. If you have received a demand letter or have been threatened with a patent lawsuit, information about your options is now at hand for you in plain English. Some of the topics discussed on the Web pages include:

In addition to these topics, you can find additional resources from the USPTO, other U.S. government agencies, and from the private sector.

Saturday Seminar in Detroit

The next Saturday Seminar in Detroit will be April 12, 2014. Saturday Seminars are part of ongoing outreach efforts in the Detroit area to bring resources and IP expertise to inventors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. This free, day-long seminar features presentations from subject-matter experts and hands-on workshops that are all designed to educate attendees about patents, trademarks, and business cycle best practices, and how to access local, state, and federal resources. Attendance is free, but registration is required. For more information, please visit the Saturday Seminar Web page.

Saturday Seminar in the Big Apple

On May 17, 2014, the USPTO will host a Saturday Seminar in Brooklyn, New York (location TBD). This day-long event will cover many of the same resources and topics as the Detroit Saturday Seminars, including workshops and interactive presentations. If you live in New York, don't miss this great opportunity to hear from both USPTO and local experts about intellectual property and its importance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. For more information, please contact InnovationOutreachCoordinatorNY@uspto.gov.

Disclaimer

The USPTO gives you useful information and non-legal advice in the areas of patents and trademarks. The patent and trademark statutes and regulations should be consulted before attempting to apply for a patent or register a trademark. These laws and the application process can be complicated. If you have intellectual property that could be patented or registered as a trademark, the use of an attorney or agent who is qualified to represent you in the USPTO is advised.

The USPTO gives you useful information and non-legal advice in the areas of patents and trademarks. The patent and trademark statutes and regulations should be consulted before attempting to apply for a patent or register a trademark. These laws and the application process can be complicated. If you have intellectual property that could be patented or registered as a trademark, the use of an attorney or agent who is qualified to represent you in the USPTO is advised.